The Romans in their day didn’t enter into their activities half heartedly.
Disciplined, focused and ruthless their accomplishments and empire changed the face of the world we inhabit
One particular construction that is regarded as the pinnacle of Ancient Rome’s architectural achievement is the Pantheon and its vault, the largest masonry construction ever built.
Yes its made out of concrete - so the question is how come its still there?
Well the Ancient Romans were clever (they invented concrete) and had there own secret mixes - they also found methods to reinforce the stuff.
Anyhow I digress from the point of this post - which is to mention at the centre of the dome is a 8.7m oculus whose function is obviously is to let light in (and also the rain - which is then sorted out by 24 mini drains set within the marble of the floor) it also acts as a huge compression ring, absorbing and redistributing the huge structural forces centered on the domes apex.
The Pantheon is very well illuminated from this- you are able to see all the detail and inscription on Raphael’s tomb for example - the design (as perhaps you can make out from the photo) is so when the light shines down it appears as rays of blessings.
So how do we bring light into our mind?
Do we need to lock ourself up in the Vatican for decades begging for forgiveness on our hand and knees?
Or is it just that you are either born with it or not?
The good news I believe is what you can see from the Pantheon is that not much of an opening is needed to make it happen. I believe that the opening is already there we just need to discover it. This can come through investigation in meditation. We can see that we have a mind that is capable of producing a light (not electric) that will illuminate us from within...take a look in meditation.
The oculus in the Pantheon remember not only brings in light it redistributes structural forces - its function is twofold. The same is true if we want a useful mind - its not enough to be peaceful in meditation experiencing inner light!
What happens when we are outside meditation is the main point as this is where we spend most of our time. We need to strengthen our mind with skillful ways of thinking - redistributing the load. Simply by changing its focus. If the weight of all our thoughts are directed towards our self then we weaken and experience problems - we need to send our thoughts out to others, redefine the sense of gravity in our life, this in turn brings more light into our mind....
If you made it this far in the article then try this meditation.
Sit in a comfortable position.
Spend a few minutes concentrating upon the breathing process.
Bring your attention to the activity within the mind at the very centre of your body, without judging.
Try to see through beyond the thoughts, worries and activities.
Allow the clarity, peace and light of the mind to come through and dissolve everything else away.
Enjoy this experience for a short time.
Every time distractions arise try to see through and beyond them.
Remember your experience and focus your thoughts on others in your life....
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